The Greek word dapanáō, represented by G1159, means to expend. It is used in scripture in both a good sense, to incur a cost for a specific purpose, and in a bad sense, to waste or consume. This term appears 5 times across 5 unique verses, illustrating the different motivations and outcomes associated with spending one's resources.
In its biblical usage, G1159 captures a spectrum of expenditure. In a negative context, it describes wasting resources on selfish desires, as when believers ask God for things to "consume it upon" their lusts James 4:3. It also depicts the prodigal son who "had spent all" and consequently fell into a state of want Luke 15:14. A more neutral, though still negative, use is found in the account of the woman who "had spent all that she had" on physicians to no benefit Mark 5:26. In contrast, a positive application is seen when Paul is instructed to "be at charges with them" to cover the costs of a purification vow, a purposeful religious expense Acts 21:24.
Several related words help clarify the context and consequences of the act of spending:
- G1550 ekdapanáō (to expend (wholly), i.e. (figuratively) exhaust): This word is used alongside G1159 in 2 Corinthians 12:15, where Paul declares he will gladly "spend and be spent," intensifying the idea of a complete and willing expenditure for others.
- G2237 hēdonḗ (sensual delight; by implication, desire): This term reveals the motivation behind the wasteful spending in James 4:3, where resources are consumed upon selfish "lusts" or pleasures.
- G5302 hysteréō (to fall short (be deficient)... be in want): This word describes the direct consequence of the prodigal son's reckless spending, as he began "to be in want" after consuming all he had Luke 15:14.
- G2395 iatrós (a physician): This identifies the recipients of the woman's futile spending in Mark 5:26, where she gave all her resources to many "physicians" but was not healed.
The theological weight of G1159 lies in its focus on stewardship and motive. The use of one's resources is presented as a moral and spiritual issue.
- Selfish Consumption: The act of spending becomes sinful when its purpose is to satisfy selfish "lusts," which results in unanswered prayer and spiritual barrenness James 4:3. The story of the prodigal son further illustrates that wasting resources leads to destitution Luke 15:14.
- Sacrificial Giving: In stark contrast, Paul presents the ideal form of expenditure as a joyful and complete giving of oneself for the benefit of others. He is willing to "very gladly spend and be spent" for the Corinthian believers 2 Corinthians 12:15.
- Purposeful Expenditure: Spending resources can also be a righteous act when directed toward fulfilling religious or community obligations, such as when paying the charges for men undertaking a vow Acts 21:24.
In summary, G1159 is a versatile word whose meaning is defined by the intent behind the action. It moves beyond a simple financial transaction to become a marker of character. Whether resources are wasted on fleeting pleasures, spent in a futile search for help, or sacrificially given for the good of others, the term highlights the critical importance of how believers expend what they have been given.
TRV